NOTES: Christion is the reigning offensive player of the year in the Valley, while Wieneke is a three-time All-American and Goedert caught a school-record 92 passes last year. Rozeboom was the Valley defensive newcomer of the year as a freshman.

NOTES: With the loss of Menard to a season-ending injury, the Bison lose their top two pass rushers from last year. DeLuca returns after missing last year due to injury, as this defense is still loaded.

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NDSU's King Frazier (22) is stopped by SDSU's Anthony Washington (8) during the NCAA Division I Football Quarterfinals at the Fargodome on Sat., Dec. 10, 2016.(Photo: Jay Pickthorn/Argus Leader)

NOTES: It’s good to be on the opposite side of the bracket from the Dakota schools – the Penguins proved that last year when they rallied to the national title game and almost won it. They lose some key players on both sides, but return several good ones, too. Improved quarterback play would make this team extra dangerous.

NOTES: After having established themselves as one of the Valley’s powers, the Redbirds underachieved last season, though they did still squeak into the playoffs. This year they’ll be aiming for much higher than six wins.

NOTES: Though Farley is the winningest coach in Valley history, the Panthers haven’t been their once-dominant selves in recent years. With an almost completely revamped coaching staff this year, the longtime coach might be feeling the heat to get things back on track.

NOTES: The Leathernecks fell a win short of the playoffs after a hot start last season. This year, with their top seven tacklers back on defense, as well as their QB and leading rusher, they could be a sleeper.

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Western Illinois' Steve McShane (34) rushes for a touchdown during a game against USD Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, at the DakotaDome on the University of South Dakota campus in Vermillion, S.D. (Photo: Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)

NOTES: Offense wasn’t a problem for Hill, a former SIU quarterback who played under Jerry Kill. While the Salukis opened league play with five straight losses last season, they were in virtually every game. An improved defense could bump this team from seven losses to seven wins.

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Taryn Christion eyes a receiver vs Illinois State in a game in 2015(Photo: Argus Leader file photo)

NOTES: Mallory (the son of former Indiana coach Bill Mallory) was put in a tough spot, taking the job just a week before signing day, but brings a solid resume, having most recently been the secondary coach under Craig Bohl in Wyoming. One noteworthy move Mallory has made? Converting senior Dimitri Taylor, the second leading rusher on last year’s team, to cornerback.

NOTES: The Bears were not a competitive Division I team in 2015, so winning a pair of league games last year was a major step forward. Still, they were blown out in three straight to end the year, so it’s unclear how ready they are to contend.

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